Four Students Recognized by SUNY, Phi Theta Kappa, & EOP for Academic Achievements

Phi Theta Kapa

 May 27, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrates its students recognized for their academic achievements. Each of these individuals are pursuing careers in different fields and are on a successful path toward realizing their collegiate and personal goals.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York. The 2025 Chancellor’s Awards go to Gia Pfleger and Deli Smith.

Gia Pfleger graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in Adolescence Education 7-12 with a concentration in social studies. Committed to academic excellence, Gia has been on the President’s List for multiple semesters and is graduating with a 3.8 GPA. Gia plans to pursue a double major in Education and Political Science when she transfers to SUNY New Paltz. Her hope is to use her degrees by mentoring students and making a difference in society through teaching.

Deli Smith graduated with an Associate in Science in Individual Studies. Taking pride in their academic portfolio, has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Deli will be attending SUNY Oneonta in the fall to major in Media Studies with the plan of obtaining a Master’s degree in Communication and work in the music industry. Deli is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, has maintained a place on the President’s List, and has contributed as a Student Trustee for the 2024-2025 academic year. Deli also is a member of SUNY Ulster’s Student Government Organization and Student Engagement Board where they work with fellow students on club activities and special events.

The Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.  Gabriella Acosta is the 2025 Recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa – All New York Academic Team.

Gabriella Acosta of Highland, NY, started her journey at SUNY Ulster as a L.A. Humanities and Social Sciences major who graduated this semester. She aspires to transfer to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a career goal of becoming a school psychologist.  A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Gabriella is committed to academic excellence and leadership in her community, as a passionate advocate for her town and its residents.

SUNY’s Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence is awarded to Princess Giselle Burden-Green. Now celebrating its sixth class of honorees, the award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

Princess Giselle Burden-Green’s goal is to become a therapist, social worker, and business owner. Over the course of her time at SUNY Ulster Princess has been a dedicated, responsible EOP student proactively improving her academic standing. She has been accepted to SUNY New Paltz where she will attend in the fall and major in psychology. Princess volunteered to speak to EOP students about her college experience and convey tips for new EOP students during our pre-college summer program this year. Princess works for a youth organization focused on developing leadership skills for underserved youth. She holds the position of Girls Lead Counselor.

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. said, “I am proud of our students’ individual and collective commitment to academics, service, and excellence as they reach their educational goals by starting here at SUNY Ulster and Going Far!”

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SUNY Ulster’s 61st Commencement on Saturday, May 24, 2025

2025 Commencement

May 20, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will proudly celebrate its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Senate Gymnasium on the Stone Ridge campus. Presiding over the event will be President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., who will confer degrees and certificates upon 143 graduates during the ceremony.

The Class of 2025 comprises 340 students in total. Of those, 288 will receive associate degrees, and 81 will be awarded certificates. The graduating class spans generations—its youngest members are three 17-year-olds, and its oldest is 65.

Of the class, 51 students will graduate with highest honors, and 112 with honors, 8 students will receive the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, 52 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society, 15 students are recipients of the President’s Challenge Scholarship, who will receive the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence, and 6 are recognized as College Scholars.  14 nursing students will receive their pins as part of the ceremony.

Each participating graduate will receive six guest tickets, and the Senate Gymnasium will open for seating at 9:00 a.m. For friends and family unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and available on the college’s website  and on the SUNY Ulster YouTube channelr.

The keynote address will be delivered by Elliott Auerbach, former New York State Deputy Comptroller and current Director of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. A dedicated steward of education and opportunity, Mr. Auerbach has devoted nearly five years to advancing the Foundation’s mission, championing scholarship initiatives that have profoundly enriched the lives and futures of our students.

Representing the student body, Deli Smith, this year’s Student Trustee, will serve as the student speaker. Smith is graduating with an Associate Degree with High Honors, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was recently honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. They plan to continue their education at SUNY Oneonta.

Introductions will be made by Jenn Zell, Chief of Staff & Secretary to the Board and Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President. Other participants include Grand Marshal James Hobbs, Professor of Psychology; Faculty Marshal Candice Van Dyke, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty; Deborah Briggs, Board of Trustees Chair; The Honorable Peter Oberacker, NYS Senator; The Honorable Peter Criswell, Ulster County Legislative Chair; Dr. Mark Stewart, Assistant Professor of Engineering & Academic Senate Chair, Rebecca Mercado, ESC Counselor & Staff Assembly Co-Chair, and John DeGasperis, Esq., Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Chair.

The invocation and benediction will be offered by The Rev. Gregory Simpson, Ph.D., SUNY Ulster Trustee and Pastor of Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church.

Musical performances will feature the College Chorus, under the direction of Janet Gehres, and the Old Capital Brass, directed by Victor Izzo, Jr.

Security Notice: Guests are advised that large bags and backpacks are not permitted. Large purses and diaper bags will be subject to inspection, and strollers must be left in designated areas.

SUNY Ulster looks forward to honoring the achievements of its graduates with family, friends, and the community in attendance.

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Meet Michelle Moore

image of floral fabric designed by michelle moore

Michelle Moore is a SUNY Ulster alumnus and now an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Ulster. Here is her recent interview with Bold Journey Magazine:

Michelle, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity like all things in life needs nurturing and care. There will be periods of high activity and periods of dormancy. I have learned that when I am in either state that I have to be mindful that it will not last forever.

The creative mind needs rest in order to come up with new ideas and be to be inspired. The only way to keep it thriving is to listen, and give it what it needs when it needs it.

On the other side of that is when the “creative spark” hits, I know I have to act on it, and move the idea forward in order to keep my advancing my work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi! I am an Artist, Surface Designer and Art Educator located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.

I am currently focused on the use of natural dyes using homegrown flowers and botanicals for textiles and artwork. I spent the last ten(ish) years experimenting with this craft and have honed in on the specific area of hammered flowers and leaves on cloth and paper. Over that time I have worked with major retail brands to bring naturally dyed goods to the commercial market. I have designed natural dye kits that have been sold across the US, and have taught many workshops to share this art form with others.

Over the last few years I have been writing a book about my hammered flower process that is due to publish at the end of the year. Keep an eye out!

I also teach art courses at my Alma Mater – SUNY Ulster. I teach courses in drawing, 2D Design, graphic design foundation.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

  1. Digital design. I decided early on in my artistic journey that it was as important if not more to learn how to Floral wall hanging use CAD programs, as well as create my own website in order to showcase my artwork. We live in the world of tiny screens and limited attention spans. You need to grab your viewers attention quick, and the best way is through great photos and presentation of the work your invested so much time creating.
  2. Stop comparing yourself. This is indeed a learned “skill”. It doesn’t matter what everyone else around you is doing. Just keep focused on what you are doing and it will in time evolve organically the way it i supposed to. Everything good takes time, energy, and consistency. Keep chipping away.
  3. Don’t focus on what you “don’t know”. I think the biggest challenge sometimes is getting started. We often think we don’t know enough to make progress. The truth is that you need to start somewhere. Be curious, make mistakes, lean into the process. The more experiments you do, the more knowledge you will gain.Keep at it. It gets easier.Continuing to show up for yourself is best quality you can have.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always looking for new ways to share my work with the world!

I’d love to do collaborations with my hammered flower art specifically.I’d love to work with an eco friendly stationery or home goods brand to bring these designs into the retail market in small batches. I also would love to work with a fashion designer to create a really beautiful hammered flower garment for something special.

I’m also looking to exhibit more of my original artwork this year.

More flowers on everything!

Contact Info:

Poet and Activist, Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre will read at 2025 Poetry Forum

Press Release Kyle Tran Guante and book cover

SUNY Ulster Presents Poet and Activist, Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre

2025 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum

April 8, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster presents the 2025 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum with poet and activist Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre along with student and faculty presenters on Thursday, April 17, at 1:15 p.m. in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus.

Kyle Tran Myhre (aka Guante) is a poet and activist whose work explores the relationships between narrative, power, and resistance. He’s performed at the United Nations, been featured on a Grammy-winning album, been a member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, and visited countless colleges, conferences, and festivals, using spoken word and storytelling as doorways into critical dialogue. His most recent book is “Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, But Enough.” Learn more about Guante.

Whether writing about men’s roles in ending gender-based violence, challenging dominant narratives related to race and racism, or just telling stories about the different jobs he’s had, Tran Myhre strives to cultivate a deeper engagement with social justice issues, one based in both empathy and agency. An educator as well as a performing artist, Tran Myhre completed his Masters studies at the University of Minnesota with a focus on spoken word, critical pedagogy, and social justice education, and regularly facilitates workshops and residencies. He currently lives in Minneapolis.

Sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, The Poetry Forum is an annual event that brings well-known and award-winning poets to SUNY Ulster. In 2007, the program was renamed the Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum to honor the memory of Ellen Robbins (1952-2006) who was on the faculty at SUNY Ulster from 1994 until 2006, and Chair of the English department from 2002-2006.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kari Mack at mackk@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5214.

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SUNY Ulster Alumna Carly Serro-Masula, RN, BSN

SUNY Ulster Nursing Alumna headshot

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is proud to highlight the exceptional contributions of Carly Serro-Masula, a dedicated registered nurse who exemplifies the core values of compassion and professionalism in nursing. Specializing in pre-surgical testing, med-surgical nursing, telemetry, and working in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Carly plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and recovery of her patients.

“What I love most about being a nurse is being directly involved in care that makes a difference in a patient’s overall well-being,” Carly states. “I love that feeling of knowing I helped a patient with their recovery. The initial moments of waking up from surgery can be frightening for a patient, and knowing I helped ease their pain and/or anxiety is what I love most about being a nurse!” Her heartfelt dedication to her patients is evident in her daily interactions, where she strives to create a comforting and reassuring environment for those in her care.

Carly’s journey in nursing began with a strong educational foundation. She graduated from Saugerties Senior High School in 2015 and pursued her Associate of Science in Registered Nursing at SUNY Ulster, which she completed in 2019. Her academic excellence continued as she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SUNY Empire State University in 2021, graduating Summa Cum Laude. During her time in school, Carly actively engaged with her peers as a member of the Student Nurses Association and served as the Treasurer of the SUNY Ulster Nursing Club, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to the nursing profession. She then continued to showcase these leadership skills by becoming the Student Ambassador for the Nursing and Allied Health Program at SUNY Empire. Committing to this role virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic only highlights how much she goes above and beyond as a nurse.

Carly’s achievements and success in nursing are driven by her profound passion for helping others, her unwavering commitment to patient care and safety, and her pursuit of continuous education. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, consistently seeking to enhance the quality of care provided to her community. Her expertise and compassionate approach make her a valuable asset in the healthcare field, where she works tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care.

As HSS continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in patient care, nurses like Carly Serro-Masula are at the forefront, making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families every day.

SUNY Ulster Fine Art/Visual Art Students Exhibition at Stone Ridge Library Beginning November 4

artwork press release

November 4, 2024 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster Fine Art/Visual Art students will showcase artwork from Drawing & Composition, 2-Dimensional Design, Advanced Studio, Printmaking, Watercolor, Photography, Intro to Design Foundation, and Painting from November 4 to December 30, 2024 at the Stone Ridge Library on Main St. in Stone Ridge. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 1 – 3 p.m.

 The Fine Art/Visual Art program at SUNY Ulster is a two-year, foundation-based program that prepares students for transfer to complete their four-year degrees at some of the top art schools or to begin their careers.

The students participating in the exhibition are Jon Adair, Dakota Balding, German Barrera, Juneau Beaupre, Lily Bednarz,, Anthony Boughton, Angel Brown, Elizabeth Buley, Bryce Casamento, Lyla Casamento, Lily Comerford, Tessa Delisio, Fiona DiBella, Clara Dietrich, Maya Farhat, Gina Garofolo, Liam Griffin, Shelby Hoffstatter, Mackenzie Mason, Cat Morgiewicz, Hailey Murphy, Skylar Naughton, Hunter Nelson, Gabriella Sorbara, Soledad Salazar, Zara Scanlan, Kaley Slader, Maggie Stone, and David Santillo.

For more information contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

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President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. Appointed to American Association of Community Colleges Commission for College Readiness

Press Release Dr Alison Buckley

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. Appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges Commission for College Readiness

September 5, 2024 – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce the appointment of Alison Buckley, Ed.D., SUNY Ulster’s 7th President, to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on College Readiness. The Commission on College Readiness is one of nine commissions authorized by the AACC Board to address important issues and priorities for the community college sector.

“Representing SUNY Ulster as I work with professionals across the United States in developing recommendations for best practices in college readiness is an honor. I look forward to continued advocacy for students through this important work with fellow commissioners, superintendents, and AACC, as I have dedicated my career to ensuring that all community college students have the resources needed to be successful,” SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D.

The Commission on College Readiness will provide recommendations for consideration to AACC and The School Superintendents Association (AASA) leadership in the design and execution of the two associations’ joint meetings. The commission will help to identify promising practices and colleges and K-12 districts that have innovative solutions to advance college-going rates (21st-Century Commission Recommendation 2). Additionally, the commission will volunteer as needed to assist in designing innovative programming for superintendents and college presidents to foster more effective and efficient relationships between the two associations.

“The SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees congratulates President Buckley on her appointment to AACC’s Commission on College Readiness. As a champion for community colleges, her dedication to student success is steadfast, and I know she’ll contribute significantly to this work for both K-12 districts and institutions of higher education, ” SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Briggs.

President Buckley will serve a three-year term from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027.

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Dr Alison Buckely with AACC sign

SUNY Ulster Announces President’s and Dean’s Lists for Spring 2024

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June 17, 2024 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster releases its President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester.

Full-Time President’s List

A total of 90 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2024 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 and higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Spring 2024 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Bearsville:  Navah McElroy.
  • Big Indian:  Sierra Apolito.
  • Bloomingburg:  Dylan Ortiz.
  • Bloomington:  Natasha Hefele.
  • Boiceville:  Delilah Smith.
  • Cairo:  Mary Casella.
  • Campbell Hall:  Gia Pfleger.
  • Clinton Corners:  Alexandra Gullo.
  • Coxsackie:  Ariel Reuss-Panaro.
  • Ellenville: Ian Kincaid.
  • Fleischmanns:  Linetth Garcia Leal.
  • Gardiner:  Annabelle Brutvan, Oscar Zandonella.
  • Greenville:  Steven Jackson.
  • High Falls:  Jasmine Maschotta-Edwards.
  • Highland:  Vanessa Ale, Lawrence Dahowski, Megan Keating, Katerina Pisciotta, Elainah Towsley.
  • Hurley:  Johnathan Helsley.
  • Kerhonkson: Skylar Barringer, Yana Pylypiv, David Santillo.
  • Kingston:  Jayden Berard, Kaitlyn Bryngelson, Lindzy Carlson, Pablo Diaz, Jasminne Drissate, Iad Elmassalemah, Michael Griffin, Imari Harris, Helaisha Hernandez Vega, Pia Kinsella, Camila Ortiz Lopez, Jair Rosas Chavez, Kevin Sharp, Steven Spinelli, Kyle Sullivan, Sabrina Tarantino, Makiya Walker, Trinity Wilson.
  • Lake Katrine:  Trista Lukaszewski.
  • Milton:  Caitlin Liu, Timothy Liu.
  • Monroe:  Holly Berra, Maeve McGinn.
  • Mt. Marion:  Camren Creisstoff.
  • New Paltz:  Nina Brady, Declan Chase-Salerno, Kieran Thomas.
  • Olivebridge:  Christian Amarilla-Barrios, Anabel Sorbellini.
  • Port Ewen:  Satin Martin.
  • Red Hook:  Lillian Carey, Gabriela Gomez-Mendoza, Gavin Hayes.
  • Rifton:  Heather Arnold, Louis Walter.
  • Saugerties:  Debbie Auer, Talia Benzenhoefer, Matthew Bucci, Jackson DeVito, Alison Lundy, Sophia Pannitti, Liam Pineiro, Caelin Piper, Flynn Steyer, Angelina Valles, Gordon Vought.
  • Shandaken:  Gianni DeLango.
  • Shokan:  Tessa Delisio.
  • Spring Glen:  Joseph Smiles.
  • Staten Island:  John Cagle.
  • Stone Ridge:  Carmine Carlucci, Kya Lowery.
  • Tillson:  Matt Boughton, Solon Deusoz.
  • Ulster Park: Jaidyn Canino, Paige Richter.
  • Walden:  Trysta Riggins.
  • Wallkill:  Sarah Beacham, Ricardo Marsden, Jacob Rhinehart, Josiah Russell, Manuel Sosa, Michael Young.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Emily Aldrich, Bridget Black.
  • Wurtsboro:  Hailey Murphy.

Part-Time President’s List

A total of 35 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2024 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Spring 2024 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Copake:  Samantha Luca.
  • Cottekill:  Melissa Frumenti.
  • Gardiner:  Brooke-Lynn Caso, Jordan Delano.
  • High Falls: Rosa Onderdonk-Knaus. 
  • Highland:  David Ruger.
  • Kerhonkson:  Ella Drouin, Anika Friedman, Jackson Paley, Rubin Shamson.
  • Kingston:  Geno Coppola, Melissa Cordaro, Sarah Kiersted.
  • Long Island City:  Pascal Fischer.
  • Marlboro:  Hana Bozinovska.
  • Millerton:  Kaylin Sielaff.
  • Mt. Marion:  Mason Beck.
  • Napanoch:  Benjamin Gazsi.
  • New Paltz:  Bryce Casamento.
  • Port Ewen:  Dawn Marie Mazzone.
  • Saugerties:  Cole Carey, Trevor Cashara, Jesse Joy.
  • Somers:  Noah Elconin.
  • South Richmond Hill:  Maryam Ilyas.
  • Stone Ridge:  Sydney Nilsen, Tess Pitcock.
  • Wallkill:  Joseph Alvarado, Ari Apuzzo, Khalil Farrell, Pablo Garcia, Robert Youngs.
  • Warwick:  Alexandria Garnot.
  • West Hurley:  Tristan Nielsen.
  • Woodstock:  Laura Matis.

Full-Time Dean’s List

A total of 131 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester, reported Kevin R. Stoner, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Spring 2024 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Joshua O’Sullivan, Janelle Ronda, Bryanna Sanders.
  • Bloomington: Christian Conners.
  • Boiceville:  Stephanie Tillinghast.
  • Bronx:  Kofi Mends, Geovanny Mora.
  • Chester:  Melanie Rolon.
  • Chichester:  Achaia-Lotus Gindele Horwitz.
  • Climax:  Aurora Gandolfo.
  • Ellenville:  Ryan Barbieri, Michaella Gordon, Tanvirul Islam, Noa Lynn, Denilson Morales, Gabriella Sorbara, Meghan Stone-Wardnyski, Kaitlyn Valleau, Michelle Wang.
  • Geneseo:  Kadiatou Camara.
  • Glasco:  Gabriella Bonelli.
  • High Falls:  Adrian Cristian-Fernandez, Nathanuel Favreau, Hiroshi Sawka Hamaguchi, Nolah Stringham.
  • Highland:  Michael Benitez, Jake Hunziker, Allison Kreuscher, Tania Mendez Matias, Andrea Schoonmaker.
  • Hurley:  Bryan Monz, Daniel Nekos, Daniel Norman, Angelina Pisano. 
  • Hyde Park:  Lindsey Gordineer, David Schmitt.
  • Kerhonkson:  Brian Bouyea, Courtney Hill, Erica Lunden, Halyna Nalywayko.
  • Kingston:  Travis Boice, Jack Boyle, Cheyanne Corbin, Christopher Coughlin, Joshua Demskie, Lanasia Dorsey, Alexi Fallon, Cheyenne Ferris, Sabrina Glover, Samantha Hogan, Cassidy Holsapple, Haley Hoyt, Madison Hunlock, Daivel Jackson, Dennis Kelley, Silvia Leiva Howell, Tuwana Leonard, Jennifer Lopez-Garcia, Elizabeth Marrinan, Shantol Martin, Yevett Mireku, Juan Neri-Ramos, Jacob Nerone, Marie Noonan, Emma Odell, Braeden Peters, Kythana Prendergast, Giovanni Rosas Chavez, Cheyenne Rossler-Demskie, Soledad Salazar Rios, Joshua Selle, Demario Smith, Justin Winkleman.
  • Lake Katrine:  Jenna Smith, Chavvah Zietz.
  • Marlboro:  Asif Arakhan, Jozef Lisiecki.
  • Middletown:  Vanessa Elliott.
  • Milton:  Tyler Mohre.
  • Napanoch:  Valentina Femia.
  • New Paltz:  Abigail Collins, Ali Khalil, Jordan Lopez, Jahara Maliha, Alyson Murray, Sophia Schor.
  • Newburgh:  Jamisel Roman.
  • Ossining:  Dominique Bautista.
  • Phoenicia:  Autumn Schouten.
  • Port Ewen:  Jason Deising, Sarah Hewitt, Sierra Hull.
  • Port Jervis:  Jack Decker.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Kyle Keenan, Kevin Mitto. 
  • Red Hook:  Joseph Alveira.
  • Saugerties:  Nicolas Bocchimuzzo, Madeline Bucci, Koen Buchter, Joseph Dickens, Jarod Ferran, Katelyn Haberski, Allysa Manzi, Branden Martin, Indiana Meyer, Ariana Newkirk, Kaydee Wagor.
  • Shokan:  Sage Mannino.
  • Stone Ridge:  Faith Avello.
  • Tillson:  Isabella Finch.
  • Ulster Park:  Hannah Schaber.
  • Wallkill:  Aidan Bartlett, Dominick Ferrante, Jeremy Figueroa, Chase Godwin, Lilie Jaffee, Zaire Paige, Samuel Perillo.  
  • Wappingers Falls:  Raquan White.
  • Washingtonville:  Juliana Jackson.
  • Wawarsing:  Gina Garofolo-Goodman.
  • West Hurley:  Mia Gullo, Nathan Lonstein.
  • West Shokan:  HaileyJade Frisenda, Skylar Naughton.
  • Westtown:  Luke McKeon.
  • Woodstock:  Cynthia Borschel, Adam Williams, Rachel Williams.
  • Wurtsboro:  Victoria Heady.
  • Yonkers:  Lourdes Suarez.

Part-Time Dean’s List

A total of 43 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester, reported Kevin R. Stoner, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is at least 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Spring 2024 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Athens:  Arden Johnson.
  • Catskill:  Angelia Setera, Alexandra Wing.
  • High Falls:  Sarah Alter.
  • Hurley:  Sabine Crane-Euvino.
  • Hyde Park:  Alexandria Hogue. 
  • Kerhonkson:  Cheyenne Mitchell, Isabella Shaw.
  • Kingston:  Jeffrey Belardo, Hannah Bouck, Moira Cleary-Dwyer, Debra Grinwis, Maeve Kennedy, Cody MacLeod, Michael McGrath, Denise McIntosh, Corin Mosack, Nadya Pallak, Mary Sullivan, Loukisha Wilson.
  • Lagrangeville:  Maria Dube.
  • Lake Katrine:  Loris Pemberton.
  • Middletown:  Erin King.
  • Mt. Tremper:  Alexandra Bagensie, Harmony Boyesen.
  • New Paltz:  Regina Creighton, Daniel Morreale, Mark Russo.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Emylie Bussa, Ashley Dajer.
  • Salt Point:  Isabel Czech.
  • Saugerties:  Sequoia Kristal-Cohen, Terri McAleer, Nicole Wynkoop, Ruth Zaccardo.
  • Ulster Park:  Jennifer Standefer.
  • Walden:  Nathan Hall.
  • Wallkill:  Shamali Curry, Jared Godwin, Leroy Porteous, Rick Scocozza, Hector Torres, Keith-Marcus Wilkinson.

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SUNY Ulster Art Students Chosen for Juried Best of SUNY Student Exhibition in Albany

SUNY Ulster Press Release

 May 30, 2024 – Stone Ridge, NY – Artwork by SUNY Ulster Fine Arts majors has been selected to be exhibited in the juried 2023/2024 Best of SUNY Exhibition at The Plaza Gallery at SUNY Plaza in Albany. The annual exhibition showcases work by student artists across the SUNY System. A reception will be held at the H. Carl McCall Building at 353 Broadway in Albany on June 4th from 4:30 – 6 p.m. with light refreshments.

The four SUNY Ulster students chosen to participate in this exhibition include Gina Garofolo-Goodman, Emily Handschuh, Sydney Nilsen, and Calico Withall.

Gina Garofolo-Goodman, who is on track to graduate in spring 2025 is showing ‘Haunted and Ominous’. Gina is a Fine Arts/Visual Arts major with an interest in a variety of styles and medias and a passion for music.

Emily Handschuh graduated in the fall of 2023 and is now attending SUNY New Paltz. Emily writes, “I’m a contemporary artist that leans toward illustration. I use a variety of different media including but not limited to pencil, ink, watercolor, gouache, and digital. The pieces I chose to showcase are from the past year and I think show my skills the best. In the future, I hope some of you pick up a novel that has a cover I created. Emily is showing a still life entitled, ‘Opposites’.

Sydney Nilsen, who recently graduated, will continue her studies at Hunter College. Exhibiting ‘Scarlet Tanager’, Sydney says she is an artist who enjoys drawing and painting as her creative outlet. “I’m heavily inspired by the Art Nouveau movement and love art for art’s sake. I hope to use my art to inspire beauty in the world around me.”

Calico Withall will be graduating from SUNY Ulster in the fall of 2024 and is exhibiting ‘Imagine She was Your Daughter’. Of her work, Calico writes, “Art has been my lifelong passion. Acrylic painting is my preferred medium, though I also enjoy incorporating mixed media like ink, graphite, paint pens, collage, and stickers into my work. Color is central to my creations, allowing me to convey emotions and stories. Through my art, I aim to capture the essence of human emotion and invite viewers to connect with my narratives.”

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Five Students Recognized by SUNY, Phi Theta Kappa, & EOP for Academic Achievements

May 22, 2024 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrates its students recognized for their academic achievements. Each of these individuals are pursuing careers in different fields and are on a successful path toward realizing their collegiate and personal goals.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York. The 2024 Chancellor’s Awards go to Roaa Aboueida and Kaydee Wagor.

Roaa Aboueida received an Associate in Arts degree in Adolescence Education 7-12. Committed to academic excellence, Roaa has been named to the President’s List for multiple semesters and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with an overall GPA of 3.6. Author of a poem entitled, “Under This Roof in America”, she was selected as one of six prize winners by SUNY Ulster’s Faculty Association for the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ceremony.

Kaydee Wagor started her college journey as a New Start student. While balancing work and care of her son, Ian, Kaydee brilliantly managed a full-time academic schedule, completing her Certificate in General Management and graduating with her Associate in Science in Individual Studies this May. A member of Phi Theta Kappa with an overall GPA of 3.9, Kaydee is also a President’s List recipient. Passionate about special needs education as a former lead teacher at Head Start, Kaydee chose to complete her internship at the Brookside School, leading to full-time employment in 2023.

The Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.  Sanjay Basnet is the 2024 Recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa – All New York Academic Team – 2nd Team.

Sanjay Basnet completed his SUNY Ulster studies with a 3.9 GPA and is currently attending SUNY New Paltz with the goal of becoming a human rights lawyer. His hope for his future is work on human rights issues for the variety of ethnic and religious groups that experience discrimination and inequality in Nepal, increasing access to education, healthcare, and social services, and providing assistance to children and women.

SUNY’s Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence is awarded to Raven Ryan. Now celebrating its fifth class of honorees, the award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

Raven Ryan earned her Associate’s degree in Human Services this May, and is transferring to SUNY New Paltz to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Raven is interested in becoming either a social worker or school guidance counselor, so she can help students overcome obstacles they encounter in their lives.

The Mid-Hudson Section of the American Chemical Society has chosen Pia Kinsella as a recipient of the College Recognition Award for 2024. The award is presented to an outstanding student at each of the colleges in the Section.

Pia Kinsella graduated from SUNY Ulster this May with an Associate in Science in Environmental Studies and is transferring to SUNY New Paltz to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. She hopes to “get a job working outside doing field work, botanizing the Hudson Valley, and potentially educating.”

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. said, “I am proud of our student’s individual and collective commitment to academics, service, and excellence as they reach their educational goals by starting here at SUNY Ulster and Going Far!”

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